The Ahar culture, also known as the Banas culture is a Chalcolithic archaeological culture on the banks of Ahar River of southeastern Rajasthan state in India, lasting from c. 3000 to 1500 BCE, contemporary and adjacent to the Indus Valley Civilization.
If you are someone who takes an interest in history and architecture, you would be amazed by the town of Ahar that has archaeological sites of historical importance called ahar Cenotaphs. Cenotaphs are a small tomb-like structure built in honour of Kings Queens and people of crucial importance. these Cenotaphs of ahar is created to mark the valour and bravery of Kings of Mewar.
A group of Cenotaphs is also called mahasati. Presently it has become a very famous archaeological pLace offering peek into the glorious past of Mewar dynasty of Udaipur.
Ahar is famous for the cenotaphs of the Royal rulers and an archaeological museum.
Ahar is located at a comfortable distance of 3 km from the city of Udaipur. You can take regular buses from the city or can reach Ahar by hiring private taxis.
Ahar cenotaphs: Ahar Cenotaphs still boast the courage and valour of the rulers of Mewar. People visit this place to pay homage to the great rulers. Ahar has not less than 19 cenotaphs of the kings, who were cremated here. These memorial monuments have striking columns raised on big platforms sheltered by of arched roofs. The architraves of the roofs are embellished with ornamentations that will remind you of the 15th-century temples. On the single upright stone of these architraves, you will find an image of Lord Shiva and a figure representing Maharana with his 'Satis' (his wives, who immolated in his cremation flames).
The cenotaph which is dedicated to Maharana Amar Singh is most arresting. The other cenotaphs include cenotaph dedicated to Maharana Sangram Singh, Swaroop Singh, Shambhu Singh, Fateh Singh, Bhupal Singh, Bhagwat Singh Mewar and Sajjan Singh. These cenotaphs are made out of marble and possess the finest carvings. The cenotaph of Maharaja Sangram Singh is another attraction that has fifty-six pillars in its porch. It possesses an octagonal dome in its centre with the support of eight small pillars. In 1734, Maharana Sangram Singh was cremated here with his twenty-one wives.
Ahar Archeological Museum :
Archeological Museum in Ahar is another attraction that is gaining popularity these days. Ahar Museum is made to preserve the excavated items of the ancient period by the Government. This museum houses an unusual assortment of antiques that dates back to the 10th century. Here you can see earthen pots, iron objects another artefact that used to be part of the lifestyle of primordial people. The museum doesn't comprise many things, but these unusual things are really worth seeing.
These things are excavated and collected by the continuous efforts of the archaeological department of Rajasthan. The unusual type of earthen pottery will definitely grab your attention. Some things are acknowledged to belong 1700 B.C. A metal figure of Lord Buddha of the tenth century is another attraction. Amongst the assortment of sculptures, a statue of Vishnu-Nag-Nathan is also worth mentioning.
Many of the items are known to be excavated from the mound of Dhulkot. Dhulkot is said to be the site of 4,000 years Old Township. You can see a skin scrubber, grain pot, animal figures stone weights, balls and seals that date back to the 1st century B.C. Terracotta toys, pottery remnants and a huge earthen pot are the other exhibits in the museum. Above all, the museum portrays some of the best relics of ancient ages and definitely requires a visit.
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